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The second day of the fifth and final India vs England Test at The Oval had plenty of drama, not just with the ball and bat but also with a fiery exchange between India pacer Prasidh Krishna and England’s batting stalwart Joe Root. While India ended Day 2 with a narrow 52-run lead, Krishna was the star with the ball, claiming career-best figures of 4/62 in Test cricket. However, what caught everyone’s attention was his interaction with Root, which added a new dimension to the already intense contest.
Krishna, speaking after the day’s play, revealed the surprising trigger behind Root’s reaction. “I don’t know why Rooty [reacted],” he said in a light-hearted tone to BBC’s Test Match Special. “I just said, ‘you’re looking in great shape,’ and then it turned into a lot of abuse and all of that.”
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Root, who walked out to bat after Zak Crawley’s dismissal with England at 129 for 2, looked to steady the innings. However, after playing and missing at one of Krishna’s deliveries while still on zero, the India pacer decided to play some mind games. The comment, which seemed harmless on the surface, unexpectedly got under Root’s skin, leading to a verbal exchange that animated the session.
“It was the plan [to disrupt Root], but I didn’t expect the couple of words that I said to get such a big reaction from him,” Krishna added later at the press briefing after stumps. The 28-year-old pacer emphasized that the incident was just part of the competitive spirit on the field. “I love the guy that he is, he is a legend of the game. It’s just when two people are out there wanting to be a winner and wanting to be the best in that moment. It was just a small thing, the competitive edge coming out. Both of us are good mates off the field and it was just a bit of banter.”
The Impact on Root’s Innings
Root, who had been England’s most consistent batter in the series, was expected to play a key role in countering India’s pace attack. However, the early exchange seemed to unsettle him. He could add just 29 runs before falling victim to Krishna, who was in sublime rhythm throughout the innings.
Krishna’s spell was not only about pace and accuracy but also about tactical awareness. Having observed Root’s dominant form in the previous Tests, the Indian team management, in consultation with the bowlers, decided to try a more aggressive approach. Sledging Root was a calculated risk, one that paid off when the English batter uncharacteristically engaged in the war of words and seemed to lose a bit of focus.
England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick later shed light on the incident, acknowledging that Krishna’s ploy worked. “I think they made a comment, didn’t they? He [Prasidh] obviously tried to get after him [Root] and spark him up a little bit. Maybe they have seen him play so well over the last couple of games that India tried a different approach, and Joe bit back, as sometimes he does,” Trescothick said.
“Normally, he is the sort of guy who just laughs and giggles and allows things to happen, but today he just chose a different route. Everyone has their own method of dealing with that sort of approach, and today Joe bit back,” he added.
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Prasidh Krishna’s Rise in Test Cricket
For Krishna, this performance marked a significant moment in his Test career. The Karnataka pacer, known for his bounce and ability to extract seam movement, had been in and out of the Indian Test setup due to injuries and team combinations. However, in this crucial Test, he showed why he is highly rated among India’s fast-bowling reserves.
His figures of 4/62 included the prized wickets of Root and other key English batters, helping India restrict the hosts and eventually take a slender lead. Krishna’s approach was a mix of aggressive short-pitched deliveries and fuller lengths to keep the batters guessing.
Speaking about his strategy, Krishna said, “I’ve always believed that in Test cricket, you need to keep challenging the batter in different ways. It’s not just about bowling a good ball but about creating pressure. With someone like Root, you have to be smart because he is such a quality player. So, it was important to mix things up, and yes, the small comment was just part of that plan to keep him thinking.”
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The Role of Aggression in Modern Test Cricket
The incident also reignited the debate around sledging and its role in Test cricket. While verbal duels have long been part of the sport, players often try to strike a balance between gamesmanship and respect for opponents.
Krishna made it clear that there was no malice in his comment. “I admire Joe Root a lot. He is a fantastic cricketer and a great human being. On the field, though, we all want to win for our teams. What happened was just competitive banter, and I’m sure he also understands that. After the game, we will have a laugh about it.”
This is not the first time Root has been targeted verbally by opposition players. However, he is known for staying calm and composed in such situations. His decision to respond this time showed that even the most experienced players can be caught off guard.
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India’s Position in the Test
With two days left in the match, India’s narrow lead could prove crucial. The visitors, having already secured the series, are eyeing a historic win at The Oval to cap off a memorable tour. Krishna’s spell, along with key contributions from other bowlers, has put India in a position of advantage.
The pitch, showing signs of uneven bounce, is likely to favor bowlers as the game progresses. India’s batting lineup will aim to set a challenging target, while the bowlers, buoyed by Krishna’s form, will look to seal the deal.
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The Bigger Picture
For Prasidh Krishna, this Test could be a turning point. After battling injuries and inconsistent opportunities, his ability to deliver in a high-pressure game will strengthen his case as a regular member of India’s pace attack.
The duel with Root also highlights the mental side of cricket, where even a casual remark can influence the course of play. As the series heads towards a thrilling conclusion, Krishna’s role in this Test will be remembered not just for his wickets but also for the moment that sparked an unexpected reaction from one of modern cricket’s greats.
In the end, the incident was a reminder of the fine margins in elite sport. A few words, delivered at the right time, can sometimes be as potent as the perfect delivery. For Krishna, the plan worked to perfection, and India will hope his form continues as they push for a memorable victory at The Oval.
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